A six-page policy from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan will soon take effect as the set of guidelines for doctor-assisted death in the province.
Physicians and patients had waited for June 6 at midnight – the deadline for the federal government to enact legislation permitting physician-assisted death under certain circumstances.
“There aren’t situations where it’s really clear exactly what this means that somebody can look at in legislation,” said Bryan Salte, legal counsel for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan.
In order to offer some clarity, associations across Canada have created policies offering guidance to doctors considering performing an assisted death. They’re based off the landmark ruling from the Supreme Court of Canada, known as the Carter decision.
READ MORE: Supreme Court strikes down Canada’s assisted suicide laws
“The concern was that there would be a period of time in which there was no law from the federal government and that has occurred,” Salte said.
The set of standards in Saskatchewan covers eight core principles:
- Respect for patient autonomy
- Access
- Respect for physician values
- Consent and capacity
- Clarity
- Dignity
- Accountability
- Duty to provide care
The policy is strictly for guidance, not legal enforcement. If the federal government introduces legislation that is inconsistent with the policy, then doctors will need to adhere to the federal legislation, Salte said.
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Speaking to a crowd of doctors in Ottawa, Canada’s Health Minister Jane Philpott said nationwide legislation is needed to reduce variances between provinces.
“I believe that regulatory guidance alone is insufficient, given the nature of what you will be asked to do,” Philpott said.
Bill C-14, the assisted dying bill, remains in the hands of the senate. The House of Commons would have to vote on any amendments before the bill becomes law.
As it stands, the bill requires a consenting patient to be 18 or older and mentally competent. The person must also have a serious, incurable condition, and be in an “advanced state of decline.”
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